a myth of progress

the culture of conservatism and complacency in the wnbl

I wrote to the Herald Sun. I said, ‘As one of Melbourne’s most prominent newspapers, you have an obligation to provide due coverage. The WNBL has been around for over forty years. It is Australia’s oldest professional women’s sporting league. It is arguably in the top three leagues in the world, has created talent who have represented this country globally, and has attracted some of the best international athletes to play here in Australia. WNBL athletes make impact, which is a testament to them due to the chronic lack of visibility and opportunity they receive. They deserve to have the start of their season promoted too.’ 

I checked with a friend before I sent the email. It was lucky I did. She said it was not the newspaper’s fault. ‘They reached out to the WNBL’s Media Department for comment,’ she explained. ‘The email address they’d been provided with was for somebody who hasn’t worked at Basketball Australia for four months.’ 

I exited the document. I could have cried.

A Myth is an essay about the legacy and potential of the Women’s National Basketball League. It has been published, as of Friday November 24th.

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a quick note

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